Great Basin National Park is another patch of wilderness that’s so tucked away that it’s a bit off the beaten path. Residing in eastern Nevada, adjacent to the Utah border, you almost have to make it a destination as it’s not necessarily on the way to anywhere, unless you happen to be one of those who call Ely, Nevada “somewhere.”
In the morning, it was up early to walk to the Bristlecone Pine grove. I’ve long been fascinated with these most ancient of trees, and was glad to walk among a new grove. You can find a few other of these ancient trees in this gallery.
Along the trail the Bristlecone Pine grove, looking out over the great basin.
One of the ancient giants, estimated to be over 4,000 years old
The afternoon was all about resting along the shores of Stella Lake, followed by a semi-epic climb, following a mountain goat trail, up towards Wheeler Peak. On the descent later that evening, we were surprised to find a flock of wild turkeys wandering by.
Stella Lake beneath Mt. Wheeler
Surprised by a flock of wild turkeys
Like so many national parks, I wanted more time to explore, but alas the road was bidding me on. I appreciate you being part of the journey…
nomadruss in words and photos 
Reblogged this on VIVIMETALIUN.
Your journey is full of beauty and surprise.
It’s nice to travel without plans…
Very beautiful, and I think I’m add your post here to my Evernote Travel notebook to save as a “maybe one day” list. You of all people most likely have heard of this already, but the US has a National Park Passport book you can buy (http://www.eparks.com/store/product/22515/Passport%C2%AE-To-Your-National-Parks/). I found out about it while visiting the Everglades this year. Before I use to have a goal to visit every U.S. National Park–until I realized there were around 800 or so! I certainly never guessed that. Now, it’s more to stamp off as many as possible, and especially some favorites.
Yeah, I’ve seen people stamping those passport booklets, I sometimes throw a stamp in my journal, but otherwise the photographs are my record. I’ve worked for the NPS twice, but I didn’t realize there were that many parks!
Yea, I just liked the thing ^_^. I’ll have to check when I get home. It includes things that you wouldn’t traditionally consider a “park”–like historical significant sites as well.
It looks like a fun way to record your trips, and like you implied, get to places you might not otherwise even know about. I do love our national parks.
The Bristlecone… I have been taking a few online courses from an American photographer who loves them.
Superb photography
Thanks Rajiv, the bristlecone pine is truly awe inspiring…
Unreal post my friend! That second last shot of Stella Lake is mind blowing.
Thanks Shane, I was really happy with that one myself!
Amazing pictures. Those old giants are authentic witnesses of history. And yours is the best way to travel and meet places.
Thanks!
You have captured the very essence of freedom in the third photograph. Beautiful!
Hey, thanks!